Hinged base frame for portable derrick masts



Nov. 24, 1953 J SELBERG 2,660,268

HINGED BASE FRAME FOR PORTABLE DERRICK MASTS Filed Jan. 26, 1949 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 1.

I 270522 'iieibeiy Nov. 24, 195 J. PISELBERG HINGED BASE FRAME FOR PORTABLE DERRICK MASTS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 26, 1949 John 256112223 Nov. 24, 1953 J. P. SELBERG HINGED BASE FRAME! FOR PORTABLE DERRICK MASTS Filed Jan. 1'26, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Ja7222 I? fleibery wrner Patented Nov. 24, v1953 HINGED BASE FRAME FOR PORTABLE DERRICK MASTS John P. Selberg, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to International Derrick & Equipment Company, Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application January 26, 1949, Serial No. 72,796

6 Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to portable mast or derrick structures of the type utilized in well-servicing operations. More specifically, the present invention deals with an improved ground-engageable base frame which functions to support the mast structure of a portable well-servicing rig, when such mast structure occupies a substantially vertical erected position.

In the past, numerous types of portable and mobile well-servicing or derrick rigs have been used in connection with oil well operations in replacement of the usual stationary semi-permanent mast or derrick structures. Generally, such portable or mobile well-servicing rigs embody a mobile base, such as an automotive truck or trailer, a mast structure pivotally mounted upon such base for swinging movement between prone and erect positions withrespect to the base, and means interposed between the mobile base and the mast structure to move the latter between its prone and erected positions. In the usual case, the mast structure of such rigs is pivotally connected with the associated base a relatively short distance from the lower end thereof, in order that the loweror base end of the mast, when the same is moved to an erect position, may be maintained in relatively closely spaced relation to the ground surface, or even in abutting engagement therewith.

It willbe understood, that in erecting the mast structure of the portable rig, it is necessary to back the vehicular base or truck into position with respect to a-given well site, and afterwards swing the mast structure to its erected position. In sodoing, it is oftentimes necessary, due to the overhang of the lower end of the mast from its pivotal connection with the base, to partially erect or elevate the mast prior to finally ascertaining the proper position of the mobile base, for the reasonv that the exact desired location of the lower or base end of the mast withrespect to a well site cannot alwaysibe determined until the mast structure occupies a substantially vertical or erected position, at which time the desired position of the mast with respect to a iven well site may be determined.

Another difficulty with portable rigs of this type. embodying mast structures. which are pivotally connected with the base a distance from the base end thereof, occurs when the portable rig must be placed closely adjacent. to a permanent structure, such as, a pumping station or sta tionary derrick which closely abuts or lies adjacent to a given well site. In attempting to erect the mast of such rigs, it is necessary to allow suflicient clearance between the base portion of the mast and such closely adjacent structures;

an'd'in so doing, the vehicle must besequentially.

ih desired relation to the well site.

It will be manifest, that considerable time and effort is expended in the manner prior to the actual erection of the mast and the conditioning of the same for the ultimate well-servicing operations.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a portable wellservicing or derrick rig which may be easily and quickly backed into position with respect to a given well site, the body of such rig being jacked up for ground support, and the associated mast swung to an erected position without necessitating sequential shifting of the portable 'base and the partial and sequential elevation of the associated mast before complete erection.

It is another object of this invention to provide a portable derrick righaving a main mast structure which is hingedly or pivotally connected with the mobile base of the rig substantially at the base or lower end thereof, and a separate base frame member hingedly mounted at the lower or base end of the mast and carried in substantially perpendicular depending relation to the mast when the latter occupies itsprone position, whereby to eliminate rearward overhanging of the mast structure during the time the ri is being backed into the desired position with respect to a well site; such base frame being movable relative to the main mast structure into longitudinal supporting alignment therewith as the mast ismoved into its erected position. a

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hinged base frame for portable masts which is formed at one end so as to receive and firmly support the base or lower end of the mast, when the same occupies an erected position, and which is formed or provided at its lower end with but a single pair of ground-engaging screw jacks which may be extended upon erection of the mast into engagement with the surface of the ground whereby to support the well-servicing rig embodying the aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevae tional view showing the relationship between the mast and hinged base support therefor when the mast occupies an erected position, with the prone or rest positions of the mast and base frame beingindicated by broken lines;

Fig. 3 is a rear end elevational view=disclosing the iQ hip. betweenf the mast and; hinged erected position;

Fig. 44s a detailed ,horizontal sectional view taken along the line [4-4 of Fig. 2;'

Fig. 5 is a detailed side elevational view of the base frame;

Fig. 6 is a rear end elevational view thereof;

Fig. 8 is a detailed horizontal sectional Viewv dais] I 5: theoutr ends" of which slightly overhang'tlierear of the bed l0. The ears [5 of each of the supports I2 are formed with axially 'ai'i'gnedbearing openings which receive separate pivot pins"provjided attheir outer endswith relat vely" enlarged and laterally offset head p a for connection 'withthe' ears I 5. Pivotally dby the pins 16' are a pair of laterally projecti g tearing plates l-I extending outwardly ffirfthe base 'end fp'ortion' of y a mast structure :{The mast structure 18 is'generally rectangula'r cross-sectional;configuration, and is firmed" "with a." substantially flat rectangular hasdqridwr' ei'ld HI.- Pivotally connected at its respective ends betweenthe be'dflO o'fithe truck and an intermediate portionof tlie'ma'st l8, asat 20, is a fluidactiiatedmultiple stage double acting telescopic rain" 2"l"wliich'fur'i'ctions'" upon operation to elevaie-"dr ipwer the mast [8 between asubstantially horizontal proneposition, as indicated in Fig." I, and'a substantially vertical erected pos'i't ion, "as partially indicated in Fig. 2. In its prone position, the forward portion of the mast l' 8" rests"withlri'a cradle structure 22 carried by the' bed 'o'fthe truck directly behind the cab portion thereof. I I-Iingedlyco'nnected 'with the heel side of the base 'or lo'wrend 19 of the mast I-B, as by means dflhaded pivotipins 23,916 the inner legs 24 f a"'ii1ast supporting"bas'e frame 25. The-frame 2fb'os'ses's'esa general V-shaped configuration iii 's'ide el'evati'or'i, withthe' upper end thereof being generally rectangular for complemental engagement 'with' the rectangular lower end of the'mast "lflfTheiside legs of the -base frame converge toward'the lowef end thereof} and are suitably joined, as by welding, with :a pair of internally screw-threaded socket members .25. Tfiesocket members 26' are joined by a transverse tub'ular brace 21 which, in turn, is connected with suitable diagonal brace members 28 extending" upwardly for engagement with the upper end'por'tion of the frame. The outer legs E2911of the frame are formed at their upper ends with a pairof positioning pins or cleats 38 which are arrangedifor registrationwith and insertion ina pair of sockets formed in the toe side .bfll h i nd O ielmen 8-. i

j Piv'otally linked at their respective ends to the bed IO of the't'ruck and the socket members 26 4 of the frame 25, are a pair of turn-buckle links 32 which function to permit limited vertical displacement of the frame 25 during swinging movement of the mast l8, and to prevent the base framegfrom pivotal swinging movement in conjunction with the mast l8.

Threadedly carried within each of the socket members 26 of the base frame 25 are a pair of extensiblescrew jacks 33 which are engageable upon extension with the ground surface, or with anumberof flat jack stands 34.

Asliscommon to rigs of this general character, the bed ID of the truck is provided at spaced intervals with a plurality of hydraulic or screw jacks 35 which, when extended, rigidly support the bed of the truck and the load carried thereby to relieve the spring and wheel systems of the vehicle.

In operation, the mast l8 and base frame 25 are normally carried in the positions disclosed in Fig. 1 of the drawings during highway transportation, that is, with the mast occupying its prone position, and the base frame occupying a substantially perpendicular depending position with respect to the mast attheie'arxvaid'ehd of the truck. In thishconditio'n, the'entire rig may be backedinto position adjacent a well site or pumping station with the ma'st in its prone position, and the screw jacks'3 3 disposed in vertical alignment with *the desireH ground; engaging point.- At thistime; the mast lorjnay be swung to an erected position, as indicatediii Fig. '2, by actuation of the ram- 2f. 'Durin'g swinging -movement ofthe mast l8 frcmits prone to its-erected positions, the base frame 25 willbe displaced downwardly ih d dbstdhtiaiiy vertical plane due-to 'the cifset relati'oii iof- -the pivotal connection between the base frame and the mast with-respect to the pivotal connection between the supports is and the mast, T-and the linkage provided bythe turn buckle links 32. As .the mast l8 reaches-its *extremejerected' 156- 51131011, that :is,'sli ghtly p st-d ve'rtical oridead center position, the ba'seframe 2'5 and the mast 18 will be in substantial longitiidinal'- alignment with the cleats 30 occupyingtheflopenings 3| formed in the toe 'end of the base-l9 of the mast; At this time, the base frame "-25 wi1l have moved downwardly .to a point wher'"th'* ends' of the screw jacks 33 are disposed in closely spaced relation to the ground surface. The jack stands 34 are then aligned with the screw jacks 33, and the latter extended outwardly to transfer the load of the mast from the .bed 6f the truck to the ground. The additional jacks 33carried by the bed of the truck have been previously extended into engagement with the ground surface so as to: balance the" system i and prevent the spring. and'wheel systems of" fie vehicle from absorbing the subsequent loads placed upon the derrick assembly. Q'Ihe entire rig is then 11']. condition for well-servicing operations. 'After the completion of well-serviihgfoperations, and the use of the rig is no longer required at the particular well site, the mas tie home again movedfrom its erected'positiorijto its prone position by retractionof' the ram 2|, at which time the base'frame' 25 is "simultanedusly lifted out of engagement with the surfaceof the derrick rig which is characterized by its mechanical eiiiciency, its ease of operation and its timesaving qualities in speedy mast erection, and the elimination of sequential shifting of the mobile base and the partial and sequential erection of the associated mast when initially positioning the rig with respect to a given well site.

Through the provision of the hinged base frame, the portable derrick system may be easily and quickly erected at a desired location, without necessitating relatively tedious and time-consuming calculations in establishing a predetermined desired position of engagement between the base of the previous type mast structure and the ground surface. The base frame further provides a sturdy and rugged support for the mast structure when the same occupies its erected position, and eliminates the use of a relatively large number of screw jack supports, heretofore necessary with previous types of portable derrick rigs which were constructed to provide an overhang of the base section of the mast a distance beyond the pivotal connection thereof with the portable base.

While a single preferred form of the present invention has been disclosed in detail, it will be manifest that various modifications in design and constructional details are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a portable derrick rig including a mobile base, a mast pivotally carried by said base for swinging movement between prone and upright positions, said mast terminating in a base end portion located substantially in the vertical plane of one end of said base, and means to swing said mast between said prone and upright positions; a

substantially vertically arranged ground-engaging base frame for supporting the base portion of said mast when the latter occupies an upright position, said base frame being hingedly connected with the base end portion of said mast and pivotally linked to said mobile base frame for limited movement in a substantially vertical plane only upon swinging movement of said mast.

2. In a portable well-servicing rig, a mobile base, a pivot support carried by said base in elevated relation to the rear end thereof, a mast having a base end terminating substantially in the plane of the rear end of said base and pivotally connected with said pivot support for swinging movement between prone and erected positions, means to swing said mast between said prone and erected positions, and ground-engageable means hingedly connected to the base end of said mast for movement into a position in longitudinal alignment with said mast when the latter occupies an erected position and a position in depending substantially perpendicular relation thereto when said mast occupies a prone position.

3. A portable well-servicing rig comprising a mobile base, an elevated support carried by said base substantially at the rearward end thereof, a mast structure having a base end pivotally connected with said support for swinging movement between prone and erected positions with respect to said base, fluid-pressure-responsive means connected respectively with said base and said mast structure and operable to swing the latter between said prone and erected positions, a ground-engageable base frame hingedly connected with the base end of said mast for relative movement between a position in longitudinal alignment therewith and a position in substantially depending perpendicular relation thereto, and means connecting said base frame with said base to prevent longitudinal alignment of said base frame with said mast except when the latter occupies an erected position.

4. A portable derrick rig comprising a portable base, a support carried in elevated relation to one end of said base, a mast pivotally carried by said support for swinging movement between prone and erected positions with respect to said base, said mast being formed with a substantially rectangular base end, arranged substantially in vertical alignment with the said one end of said base fluid-operable means connected respectively with said base and said mast to swing the latter between said prone and erected positions, a base frame hingedly connected with the base end of said mast, said frame being formed with a rectangular upper end portion for complemental engagement with the base end of said mast and a lower end portion terminating in a pair of ground-engageable screw jacks, said frame being hingedly movable relative to said mast between positions in longitudinal alignment therewith and in perpendicular relation thereto, and means linking said frame to said base to prevent longitudinal alignment of said frame with said mast when said mast occupies other than an erected position.

5. In a portable derrick rig, a base, a mast structure having a base end portion terminating a distance outwardly from one end of said base and pivotally connected with said base for swinging movement about its point of pivotal connection with said base between a substantially horizontal prone position and a substantially vertical upright position, means to swing said structure between said prone and upright positions, a ground-engaging base frame hingedly carried on the base end portion of said mast structure a distance outwardly from the point of pivotal connection of said mast and said base for supporting said mast independently of said base when said structure occupies its erected position, and means pivotally connected between said base frame and said base for holding said base frame in a substantially vertical plane during swinging movement of said mast.

6. In a portable well-servicing rig, a mobile base, a pivot member carried in elevated relation to one end of said base, a mast having a base end portion terminating substantially at the said one end of said base and pivotally connected with JOHN P. SELBERG.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,271,577 Woolslayer et al. Feb. 3, 1942 2,331,558 McEwen et a1 Oct. 12, 1943 2,331,559 McEwen Oct. 12, 1943 

